CDK700 Telescope
Our research-grade PlaneWave Instruments CDK700 telescope will inspire those young and young-at-heart for many years to come. This telescope was chosen with the assistance of Mr. Dan McKenna, the then Superintendent of Palomar Mt Observatory, for its quality and versatility. The 27.5″ primary mirror allows us to see millions of light-years away all from the floor of the Coachella Valley. Our telescope even employs a novel solution of placing two refracting telescopes end-to-end to create a periscope for viewing at a comfortable height without the need for stairs. We currently have 3 cameras for imaging the lunar surface, planets, and deep-sky objects. More specifications may be found below, courtesy of PlaneWave Instruments.
“Science progresses best when observations force us to alter our preconceptions.”
Vera Rubin (1928 – 2016), Astronomer
| Optical Design | Corrected Dall-Kirkham (CDK) |
| Aperture | 700 mm (27.56 inch) |
| Focal Length | 4540 mm |
| Focal ratio | 6.5 |
| Central Obstruction | 47% of the Primary Mirror Diameter |
| Back Focus | 309 mm (12.2 inch) from Mounting Surface |
| Weight | 1,200 lbs |
| Optical Tube | Dual truss structure with Nasmyth focus |
| Optical Performance | 1.8 micron RMS spots [25mm on-axis] (400 to 900nm) 4.4 micron RMS spots [21mm off-axis] (400 to 900nm) 6.8 micron RMS spots [35mm off-axis] (400 to 900nm) |
| Dimensions | 93.73″ H x 43.25″ W x 39″ D |
| Optimal Field of View | 70 mm (0.86 degrees) |
| Focus Position | Nasmyth Focus |
| Fully Baffled Field | 60 mm |
| Image Scale | 22 microns per arcsecond |
| Fork Assembly | Single piece U shaped fork arm assembly for maximum stiffness |
| Azimuth Bearing | 20 inch diameter thrust bearing |
| Altitude Bearing | 2 x 8.5 inch OD ball bearings |
| Optical Tube | Dual truss structure with Nasmyth focus |
| Motor Control | Industrial grade Parker brushless motor control system and built in electronics |
| Azimuth Motor | Direct Drive 3 Phase Axial-Flux Torque Motor |
| Altitude Motor | Direct Drive 3 Phase Axial-Flux Torque Motor |
| Encoder – Azimuth and Altitude | 10 inch disk built into the azimuth and altitude axes with stainless steel encoder tape on the circumference with reader yields 16 million counts per revolution of the telescope. This translates to about 0.08 arcsecond resolution. |
| Motor Torque | Approximately 30 ft-lbs continuous; 60 ft-lbs peak |
| Drive Electronics | Capable of controlling up to 4 high speed encoders, limit switch inputs, homing switch inputs, controls two additional motors for accessories, two brake outputs and 16 digital and 2 analog inputs |
| Telescope Control Software | Incorporates PointXP mount modeling software by Dave Rowe All ASCOM compatible. |
| Pointing Accuracy | 10 arcsecond RMS with PointXP Model |
| Pointing Precision | 2 arcsecond |
| Tracking Accuracy | <1 arcsecond error over 10 minute period |
| System Natural Frequency | 10 Hz or greater |
| Field De-Rotator Accuracy | 3 microns of peak to peak error at 35mm off-axis over 1 hour of tracking (18 arc sec) |
| Radius of Curvature | 4115mm |
| Optical Diameter | 700 mm (27.56 inch) |
| Outer Diameter | 714.38 mm (28.125 inch) |
| Core Diameter | 203mm (8 inch) |
| Material | Fused Silica |
| Edge Thickness | 2.25 inch |
| Cell | 18 point |
| Radius of curvature | 2961 mm |
| Thickness | 25 mm |
| Optical Diameter | 312.4 mm (12.3 inch) |
| Outer Diameter | 317.5 mm (12.5 inch) |
| Material | Fused Silica |
| Cell | 3 point RTV |
| Optical Major Diameter | 152.4 mm |
| Thickness | 25 mm |
| Material | Fused Silica |